Herringbone, a pattern of short boards laid in interlocking Vs, and wide plank, long boards in a straight run, could not look more different on the surface. One reads formal and detailed, the other reads open and relaxed. What they have in common is a move away from the standard strip hardwood that filled most homes for decades, and both are showing up in Westborough kitchens, entryways, and main living spaces during recent renovations.
Here is what is actually driving each choice and where they tend to work best.
Why Herringbone Is Showing Up In Entryways And Kitchens
Herringbone works because it creates visual interest in smaller, high traffic spaces where a straight plank run can feel plain. Entryways, mudrooms, and kitchen floors in Westborough renovations are the most common spots for this pattern, since these rooms benefit from a layout that draws the eye without needing extra decor to fill the space. The angled pattern also tends to hide minor scuffs and dirt better than a straight run, which matters in rooms that see the most foot traffic in the house.
Herringbone does come with real installation considerations that straight plank does not. It requires more precise subfloor leveling, since any unevenness becomes obvious in an angled pattern much faster than in a straight run. It also uses more material per square foot due to the cutting involved, and takes longer to install because of the layout work. Homeowners considering herringbone should expect a higher labor cost than a standard installation, which is a fair tradeoff for the look but worth planning for in the budget.
Why Wide Plank Is Winning In Open Concept Living Spaces
Wide plank hardwood, generally boards five inches or wider, has become the default choice for open concept living rooms and kitchens in newer Westborough renovations. Fewer seams across a large floor create a cleaner, less busy look that suits open layouts where the eye travels across multiple rooms without a doorway break. This is part of why wide plank pairs so well with the open floor plan renovations happening across many older Westborough homes right now.
Wide boards also show wood grain and natural variation more prominently than narrow strip flooring, which appeals to homeowners wanting a more organic, less uniform look. There is a tradeoff worth understanding before choosing this style. Wider boards move more with seasonal humidity changes than narrow strips, since more wood width means more expansion and contraction across New England's seasonal swings. Engineered wide plank handles this movement better than solid wide plank in most homes, which is why engineered construction has become the more common recommendation for this style locally. If your renovation includes an older section of the house with existing hardwood, it is worth checking whether that original flooring is worth saving before deciding how far the new wide plank should extend.
Mixing Both Patterns In One Home
Homeowners do not have to choose only one layout for an entire renovation, and many of the most successful projects use both intentionally. A herringbone entry or kitchen paired with wide plank in the adjoining living space creates a defined transition between a formal arrival point and a relaxed main living area, without needing a change in flooring material or color to mark the boundary. The pattern change does the job on its own.
Getting this combination right depends on choosing a consistent wood species and stain color across both layouts, so the transition reads as intentional rather than mismatched. This is where working with a design consultant who can see both spaces together makes a real difference, since pattern and color decisions made in isolation for each room often do not read well side by side.
Bringing Either Style Into Your Home
Both herringbone and wide plank require more planning than a standard strip hardwood installation, from subfloor prep to material selection to labor timeline. Getting an accurate quote and realistic timeline before committing to either style helps avoid surprises once the project starts.
L.A.F Floors & Interiors has installed both herringbone and wide plank hardwood across renovation projects throughout Worcester, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Grafton, and Millbury, MA, and our design consultants can help determine which pattern, or combination of both, fits your specific layout and budget.
Visit our showroom in Shrewsbury, MA, one of Shrewsbury, MA, to see herringbone and wide plank hardwood samples in person. We proudly serve homeowners across Worcester, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Grafton, and Millbury, MA. Contact us to start planning your renovation, or browse our hardwood flooring collection to see current options.
